UNC takes down OSU in longest ever 9-inning CWS game

Pace-of-play issues have spread to college baseball.

North Carolina managed to overcome Oregon State by a score of 8-6 in what turned out to be the longest nine-inning game ever played in College World Series history. The final out was recorded four hours and 24 minutes after first pitch, according to Sam Khan Jr. of ESPN.

Even though the teams pushed across a combined 14 runs, the bases were clogged with runners the entire game. There were 24 hits, eight walks, and six hit batters.

The game was played in Omaha, Neb., and temperatures reached the high 90s.

"It felt like 10 hours, to be honest," North Carolina second baseman Zack Gahagan said. "Omaha is pretty hot. Down in North Carolina, we're kinda used to it. The humidity is a little bit higher down there, but yeah, it was a good win for us, and I'm kinda happy to get over with."

His coach, Mike Fox, wasn't bothered by the heat or length.

"For me, the more you're out there, the better," Fox said. "I just love being out there and watching kids compete and playing the game. I get it - that was a long game. But they're not long for me. They're not long for coaches and players. I know sometimes it's agonizing for the people who are watching."

UNC will face the winner of Saturday night's contest between Washington and Mississippi State on Monday as part of the double-elimination bracket.